Vehicle Amusement Rides Using Pressurized Gas to Launch It

ABSTRACT

A vehicle ( 2 ) movable along a track ( 3 ) of an amusement ride comprising at least one launch tube ( 4 ) inside which a gas is injected to accelerate said at least one vehicle ( 2 ) is disclosed. The vehicle ( 2 ) comprises a plurality of rollers ( 2   b ) for moving the vehicle along the track ( 3 ) and at least one pressure surface ( 20, 20 ′) arranged at the rear portion of the vehicle, and on which the launching force generated by the gas injected into the launch tube is exerted. The pressure surface comprises at least one movable portion ( 21 ) between at least one deployed position and at least one folded position. The at least one movable portion ( 21 ) is moved under an aerodynamic force applied on it.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of amusement rides, and inparticular to a roller coaster rides in which the initial accelerationto one or more vehicle(s) is provided using a pressurized gas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are known in the art amusement rides and in particular rollercoaster rides wherein one or more vehicles for accommodating thepassenger(s) are moved along a track. As known in the art in this typeof rides, drive means are able to move the vehicle in correspondence ofthe highest point of the track and then gravity accelerates downhill thevehicle along the remaining part of the track.

Different drive means are currently used to move the vehicle incorrespondence of the highest point of the track, and in general toimpart to the vehicle the required initial acceleration.

Generally, in the first part of the track the vehicles are connected toa drive chain, or to a drive cable, intended to transport the vehicle incorrespondence of the highest point of the track. In this position thevehicle is decoupled from the drive chain and it is freely movable underthe gravity acceleration along the remaining part of the track.

Different drive means have been recently adopted to impart to thevehicle(s) of the ride the required initial acceleration. Linearinduction motors have been introduced in some rides, however, this typeof drive means is subjected to failure and inevitably necessitate addingcomponents on the vehicle, thus increasing its weight.

Other drive means to provide the initial acceleration to the vehicle(s)comprises pressurized gas, i.e. compressed gas, that injected into alaunch tube inside which at least one vehicle is located at the star ofthe ride.

This type of drive means to accelerate the vehicle in an amusement rideare disclosed for example in document U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,788. More indetail, the vehicle is inserted into a launch tube and its operation issimilar to a piston arranged in a cylinder wherein a pressurized gas isinjected to cause the movement of the piston with respect to thecylinder.

In particular, the vehicle is provided with a pressure surface, in theform of a shield, preferably arranged in correspondence of the rear partof the vehicle. The pressure surface forms a substantial seal with theinner surface of the launch tube, inside which the pressurized gascontained into a tank is injected.

WO2013/148886 discloses in FIGS. 10-15 an amusement ride wherein acapsule for the passenger is supported by a shot cart that is movedinside a lunch tube by means of a pressurized gas.

The shot cart is provided with a braking system, thus when the gas isinjected into the launch tube, the shot cart is moved towards the upperpart of the launch tube where it is rapidly decelerated. By doing so,the shot cart is maintained inside the launch tube, while the capsule isejected outside it. The capsule is provided a shroud which is liftedaway from the exterior of the capsule when the capsule is movingdownwards after launch, thus forming a drag element. Even if the capsuleis provided with a movable shroud, this element is not a pressuresurface on which the gas injected inside the launch tube exerts thelaunch force to accelerate the shot cart. Additionally, the ridedisclosed is unsafe, because the capsule is not intended to ride on atrack and also because the capsule falls towards the ground.

Also document U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,615 discloses an air driven amusementride comprising a tower supporting a guide cable, along which apassenger vehicle is moved up and down. The experiences provided to thepassengers are very limited due to the limited length of the cable.Additionally, as disclosed below, the vehicle is subjected to undesiredaerodynamic resistance, i.e. drag force.

The use of air propulsion is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,590.This document discloses an air stream transportation system providedwith a tube inside which vehicles are moved by an air stream provided bya generator. This system cannot be applied to amusement ride, becausethe need of providing an air stream, to move the vehicle in a long tube,inevitably leads to unacceptable costs. Additionally, a system whereinthe vehicles are freely moved in an air stream, without using rails orsimilar supporting means, is difficult to produce.

The amusement rides using pressurized gas to accelerate the vehicle aresubjected to some problems concerning the acceleration of the vehiclethat is not regular and the vehicle is subjected to high jerk rateduring the initial acceleration. The term jerk, used herein, is wellknown in the amusement ride field and indicates the rate of change ofacceleration, i.e. the derivate of acceleration.

Additionally, the known amusement ride, and in particular the vehicleused therein are subjected during the movement along the track toundesired aerodynamic resistance, i.e. drag force, due to the presenceof the pressure surface. In fact, the pressure surface generatesaerodynamic drag that negatively affects the forward movement of thevehicle along the track.

It is an aim of the present invention to solve the above discussedproblems of the known amusement rides, and to provide a vehicle that isaccelerated by means of a pressurized gas, generating low aerodynamicresistance during the forward motion along the track. Another aim of thepresent invention is to provide an amusement ride in which theacceleration imparted to the vehicle can be controlled, thus avoidinghigh jerk rates and staying below standard acceleration limits.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide an amusement ridein which, in case of failure or problems during the launch of thevehicle, it can be safely returned into the launch tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other aims are achieved by the vehicle for an amusement rideaccording to claim 1. The present invention also relates to an amusementride and a relative operating method according to claims 17 and 22.Additional aspects and characteristics are set out in the respectivedependent claims.

The vehicle according to the invention is used in an amusement ridecomprising at least one launch tube inside which a gas is injected toaccelerate the vehicle. It has to be noted that the use of the vehicleaccording to the invention is not limited to the amusement ride thatwill be discussed below, in fact, it can be also used with amusementride of different types wherein pressurized gas is used to launch(accelerate) the vehicle, then the vehicle rides along the track,preferably comprising one, or two rails. As mentioned above, the vehicleis preferably used in amusement rides, or roller coaster, wherein afterthe initial acceleration provided by the gas injected in the launchtube, the vehicle rides without propulsion.

The vehicle is provided with suitable moving means, preferablycomprising one or more rollers (wheels) allowing the sliding movement ofthe vehicle along the track due to the acceleration exerted inside thelaunch tube, by the gas injected therein.

The vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one pressuresurface, arranged at the rear part of the vehicle so that the gasinjected inside the launch tube exerts a launching force (pressure) onthe pressure surface, to cause the movement of the vehicle. The pressuresurface is provided with at least one portion movable between at leastone deployed position and at least one folded position. The at least onemovable portion is moved under an aerodynamic force applied on it.

The expression pressure surface is used herein to indicate a surface onwhich the launching force generated by the gas injected into the launchtube is exerted. Advantageously the presence of the at least one movableportion of the pressure surface allows to reduce the aerodynamicresistance generated during the forward movement of the vehicle alongthe track, after the launch. Additionally, the actuation of the mobileportion is passive, i.e. the movable portion is preferably moved underthe action of an aerodynamic force exerted on it, thus moving means,such as pneumatic actuators, do not need to be provided to move themovable portion of the pressure surface.

In fact, according to an aspect of the present invention, the at leastone movable portion is moved from said deployed position to said foldedposition under the aerodynamic force applied by the air flow impactingon it during the forward movement of the vehicle along the track.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the at least onemovable portion extends outside the section of the vehicle occupied bypassengers seats. In other words, looking at the frontal section of thevehicle, the at least one movable portion is extending on a “free” area,thus it can be impacted by the air flow during the forward movement ofthe vehicle along the track.

It has to be noted that in said at least one folded position the atleast one movable portion is inclined with respect to the forwardmovement direction of the vehicle, preferably it is inclined of an anglegreater than 90 degrees with respect to forward movement direction ofthe vehicle.

Advantageously, this inclination of the at least one movable portion inthe folded position, in case of failure of the launch and thus ofbackward movement of the vehicle, allows the movable portion to bereturned in the deployed position thus providing a deceleration effectof the backward movement of the vehicle under the effect of the air flowacting on it.

Advantageously, to allow the automatic movement of the movable portionfrom the folded position to the deployed position due to the backwardmovement of the vehicle in case of failure of the launch, and at thesame time to reduce the drag generated during the forward movement ofthe vehicle, in the at least one folded position the at least onemovable portion is inclined of an angle lower than 180 degrees withrespect to the forward movement direction of the vehicle, and preferablyof an angle equal to or lower than 170 degrees.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the vehicle comprisestwo or more independent pressure surfaces.

Advantageously, the presence of two or more pressure surfaces providesthe required redundancy of the launch system. In fact, in case offailure or problems in the movement of the movable portions of onepressure surface, the second pressure surface can provide the correctoperation of the amusement ride.

The amusement ride according to the invention comprises at least onevehicle to accommodate one or more passenger(s) and movable along atrack, and at least one hollow launch tube comprising a first end and asecond end, and at least one of said ends is open to allow the at leastone vehicle to exit from said launch tube. The amusement ride furthercomprises gas supply means to inject gas inside said at least one launchtube comprising one or more tanks for storing the gas, and wherein thegas is stored, preferably, at high pressure conditions inside the one ormore tanks.

Advantageously, the high pressure conditions at which the gas is storedinside the one or more tanks allows better control of the gas injectioninto the launch tube, thus providing a gradual pressure increase insidethe launch resulting into a gradual acceleration of the at least onevehicle. The use of gas stored at high pressure conditions allow to usetank(s) having small volume.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention the gas is stored insaid one or more tanks at a pressure equal to or above 6 bars,preferably at a pressure equal to or above 8 bars.

It has to be noted that according to the invention, the gas is stored athigh pressure conditions inside the tank(s) and/or it is injected intothe launch tube at a lower pressure, and in particular at gauge pressureequal or below 2 atm, preferably equal to or below 1.5 atm, morepreferably at 1 atm. In particular, the high pressure conditions insidethe tank(s) and the low pressure conditions inside the launch tube allowto reduce jerk rates during the acceleration of the vehicle(s).

According to an aspect of the present invention, the amusement ridecomprises two or more tanks to store the gas. Advantageously, in thiscase, the gas can be stored in smaller tanks. According to differentpossible embodiments, the number of said two or more thanks is comprisedin the range 2 to 10, preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 3 to 5, mostpreferably equal to 5.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the gas is suppliedfrom said one or more tanks at one or more, preferably two or more,different positions inside said at least one launch tube. Preferably,said two or more positions at which the gas is supplied from said one ormore tanks are arranged in succession along the direction along whichsaid at least one vehicle is moved inside said at least one launch tubewhen it is launched.

By doing so, the gas can be injected near to the pressure surface of theat least one vehicle during the launch phase inside the launch tube,thus provide a gradual release of the gas inside the launch tube.

The present invention also relates to a method for operating theamusement ride of the type disclosed above. As already mentioned above,preferably the gas is supplied from said one or more tanks at one ormore, preferably two or more, different positions inside said at leastone launch tube. It has to be noted that the gas can be supplied atdifferent positions, preferably along the direction of movement of thevehicle, by separately controlling one or more tanks, or in case theamusement ride is provided with only one tank by suitable ductsconnecting the single tank at different positions along the launch tubeand by selectively controlling the gas flow from the tank with differentsupply positions.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the amusement ride isprovided with one or more, or optionally with two or more tanks whichcan be selectively connected to the launch tube in order to provide adesired control of the pressure therein, and thus to control theacceleration imparted to the vehicle(s).

Preferably, in the step of supplying the gas inside the at least onelaunch tube, the one or more, or the two or more tanks are fluidicallyconnected in succession to said at least one launch tube to inject thegas therein. More in detail, if the amusement ride is provided with twoor more tanks, one of said at least two tanks is fluidically connectedto the at least one launch tube and after a predetermined amount of timeat least one another tank is fluidically connected to the at least onelaunch tube to inject the gas therein. Advantageously, the methodaccording to the invention allows to selectively connect the tanks tothe launch tube, thus the control of the pressure inside the launch tubecan be controlled and the desired acceleration of the vehicle(s) can beprovided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features, advantages and detail appear, by way of example only, inthe following detailed description of embodiments, the detaileddescription referring to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shown a perspective view of an embodiment of theamusement ride according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle according tothe invention with the movable portions of the pressure surface in thedeployed position;

FIG. 2A is a lateral view of the vehicle of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle according tothe invention with the movable portions of the pressure surface in thefolded position;

FIG. 3A is a lateral view of the vehicle of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a graphic showing the speed, acceleration and jerk of avehicle during the launch phase under the conditions of a possibleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of a further embodiment of a vehicleaccording to the invention, provided with one pressure surface, with themovable portions of the pressure surface in the deployed position;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the rear part of the vehicle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a further embodiment of a vehicleaccording to the invention, provided with one pressure surface, with themovable portions of the pressure surface in the folded position;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the rear part of the vehicle of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle according to FIGS. 5, 5A, 6and 6A, launched from a launch tube of an amusement ride.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the attached figures, the vehicle 2 according to theinvention is intended to accommodate one or more passenger(s), and ismovable along a track 3.

The track can be designed to provide the desired movement of the vehicleduring the ride, i.e. by providing turns, hills, etc. After the launchcaused by the gas injected inside the launch tube, the vehicle runsalong the track.

It has to be noted that even if the features of the vehicle 2 aredisclosed in connection to the amusement ride of the present disclosure,the present invention relates to a vehicle which can be used withamusement ride of different types having a launch tube and gas supplymeans to accelerate the at least one vehicle, and its use is not limitedin the amusement ride herein discussed.

The vehicle 2 is preferably provided with one or more seats 2 a andsuitable means able to safety restraint the passenger during the ride.It has to be noted that the vehicle can be provided in the form of atrain, i.e. comprising two or more units that are constrained one toanother.

The at least one vehicle 2 is provided with means 2 b for moving thevehicle along the track 3. In other words, the vehicle is provided withmeans 2 b allowing the movement (sliding movement) of the vehicle 2along the track 3. In the embodiment show in the figures a plurality ofrollers 2 b is arranged in correspondence of a lower portion of thevehicle, however different moving means can be used.

The ride 1, in which the vehicle can be used, further comprises at leastone hollow launch tube 4 comprising a first end 5 and a second end 6,one of them is opened to allow the vehicle 2 to exit therefrom. Thelaunch tube 4 is schematically shown in FIG. 1 and partially shown inFIG. 2.

Obviously, the track 3 can be shaped in different ways with respect tothat schematically shown in FIG. 1. At least a portion of the track 3extends inside the launch tube 4 and a portion of the track extendsoutside the launch tube. Thus, the vehicle 2, which is acceleratedinside the launch tube by means of the gas acting on the pressuresurface 20, rides on the track outside the launch tube.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention the track 3 is providedwith a closed shape, i.e. the at least one vehicle 2 enters said atleast one hollow launch tube 4 from the end 6 opposite to the end 5 fromwhich the vehicle is launched. It has to be noted that in the FIGS. 2,2A, 3 and 3A the track 3 is not shown for clarity reasons. In the FIGS.5, 5A, 6, 6A and 7, the track is only partially shown.

The track 3 can be provided in the form of a single rail, or as twoparallel rails. Also a configuration with more than two rails can beprovided.

According to a preferred embodiment, as for example shown in FIGS. 5,5A, 6, 6A and 7, the track 3 comprises two rails, and the vehicle 2 isprovided with suitable means 2 b to allow the movement along them,preferably in the form of rollers.

The amusement ride can be provided with at least one movable door 7 toopen and to close at least one end 5, 6 of the hollow launch tube 4.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first end 5, from whichthe vehicle according to the invention can be launched, is open so thatthe vehicle 2 can exit the launch tube 4 when gas is injected therein.

According to an aspect of the invention the second end 6 of the launchtube 4, i.e. the rear end of the launch tube, comprises a door 7 thatcan be opened and closed. In FIG. 1 the door is schematically shown as amovable surface however different embodiments of the door or otherclosing means can be used.

In fact, one end of the launch tube 4 need to be closed, or at leastable to be closed, in order to form a chamber inside it together withthe pressure surface 20, 20′ of the vehicle 2. As it will be disclosedlater in greater detail the chamber 4 a inside which the gas is injectedis formed by the lateral surface 4 b of the launch tube, a closed end 6of the launch tube and a pressure surface 20, 20′ of the vehicle 2.

The end 6 of the launch tube 4 can be subsequently opened, after thelaunch of the vehicle, in order to allow the at least one vehicle 2 tore-enter the launch tube 4 for a subsequent ride, in the case the trackalong which the vehicle is a closed track 3, as schematically shown inFIGS. 1 and 7.

It has to be noted that the launch tube 4 preferably has a cross sectionshape that is equal to the shape of the pressure surface 20, 20′ of thevehicle 2. In the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 2-3A, the launch tube 4is provided with a hollow body having a lateral surface 4 b, having asubstantially rectangular section with inclined corners. Notwithstandingthis, different shapes can be provided and in particular different crosssection of the launch tube 4 can be used. For example, in the embodimentshown in the FIGS. 5-7, the launch tube 4 is provided with a hollow bodyhaving a lateral surface 4 b, having a substantially rectangular sectionwith rounded corners.

Additionally, it has to be noted that the launch tube 4 is preferably astraight tube, i.e. it is provided with central rectilinear axis A andpreferably the cross sections along its extension are equal to oneanother, i.e. the launch tube 4 has constant cross section.

In the embodiment shown in the figure the launch tube 4 is orientedsubstantially horizontal, however it can be inclined or arranged in avertical position.

As already mentioned above, the at least one vehicle 2 forms asubstantial seal with the launch tube 4, and preferably with the lateralsurface 4 b of the launch tube, in order to build up pressure inside itby means of the gas injected, to provide the initial desiredacceleration to the at least one vehicle of the ride.

More in detail, the at least one vehicle 2 comprises at least onepressure surface 20, 20′ forming a substantial seal in the launch tube4. It has to be noted that the expression “substantial seal” is hereinused to indicate a sealing conditions that is sufficient to provide abuild-up of the pressure inside the launch tube and at the same time toallow the movement of the pressure surface inside the launch tube.

In fact, the cross section dimensions of the pressure surface 20, 20′are slightly reduced with respect to the cross section dimensions of thelaunch tube 4 to allow the movement of the vehicle 2 inside the launchtube 4.

The vehicle 2, according to the invention, is provided with a frontportion and a rear portion, with respect to the launch direction fromthe launch tube (or with respect to the forward movement of the vehiclealong the track). The pressure surface 20, 20′ is arranged at the rearportion of the vehicle 2, so that the gas injected inside the launchtube exerts a launching force on the vehicle, so that it can start theforward movement along the track 3.

More in detail, the at least one pressure surface 20, 20′ forms togetherwith the lateral surface 4 b of the launch tube 4, a chamber 4 a insidewhich the gas is injected.

The gas is inject into the chamber 4 a, i.e. the portion of the launchtube between the pressure surface constrained to the at least onevehicle, the lateral surface 4 b of the launch tube 4 and the closed end6 of the launch tube 4.

As already mentioned above, the vehicle 2 is provided with at least onepressure surface 20, 20′ comprising at least one movable portion 21which is movable between at least one deployed position and at least onefolded position.

In the embodiment show in the FIGS. 1 to 3A the vehicle 2 is providedwith two pressure surfaces 20, 20′ arranged parallel to one another incorrespondence of the rear portion of the vehicle 2. The two pressuresurfaces 20, 20′ are preferably distanced from one another to allow themovement of the movable portions 21. In other words, as shown in theFIGS. 3 and 3A, in the folded position the movable portions 21 of onepressure surface 20′ do not contact the second pressure surface 20.

The vehicle 2 can be provided with a single pressure surface 20, as forexample shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7.

The at least one pressure surface 20, 20′ is connected to the vehicle bymeans of a suitable supporting structure, such as for example asupporting frame. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-3, the pressuresurfaces 20, 20′ are supported by a frame arranged between saidsurfaces. According to another possible embodiment, as for example shownin FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the pressure surface 20 is supported by a framearranged in the front part of the surface, i.e. opposite to the portionof the pressure surface on which the pressure (force) of the gas in thelaunch tube acts.

As for example shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the supporting frame of thepressure surface can be shaped so as to reduce the aerodynamic dragduring the movement of the vehicle 2. As for example shown in FIGS. 5, 6and 7, the supporting frame can be substantially pyramid-shaped.

The at least one pressure surface 20, 20′ is preferably a substantiallyflat surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure surface20, 20′ and the at least one movable portion 21 are made by rigidmaterial, such as for example metal. In any case, the pressure surface20, 20′ has to withstand the pressure (force) exerted thereon by the gasinjected inside the launch tube, when the vehicle is launched.

According a possible embodiment, as for example shown in the figures,the at least one movable portion 21 comprises a substantially flatsurface. The pressure surface 20, 20′ comprises at least one fixedportion 22, preferably arranged at the rear part of the vehicle 2.

Additionally, it has to be noted that the movement between the movableportion 21 and at least one fixed portion 22 of the pressure surface 20,20′ can be obtained in different manner. For example, in the embodimentshown in the figures, the at least one movable portion 21 is rotatablewith respect to at least one fixed portion 22 of the at least onepressure surface 20, 20′. In other words the movable portion 21 ishinged at one or more point(s) to a fixed portion 22 of the pressuresurface 20, 20′.

Additionally, it has to be noted that the number of movable portion orportions 21 of the pressure surface 20, 20′ can be varied according todifferent possible embodiments. In the configuration shown in thefigures, the pressure surface 20, 20′ is provided with three movableportions 21, one provided in correspondence of the top side of thepressure surface and two arranged in correspondence of the verticalsides of the pressure surface (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6).

The at least one movable portion 21 is preferably arranged incorrespondence of the external part (boundary part) of the pressuresurface 20. In other words, the movable portion or portions 21 forms atleast part of the boundary portion (i.e. the portion extending along theperimeter) of the pressure surface 20, 20′. In other words, the movableportion 21 is an extension of the fixed portion 22 of the pressuresurface 20, 20′.

The movable portion, or portions, 21 are dimensioned so that in thedeployed position the cross section dimensions of the pressure surface20, 20′ are slightly reduced with respect to the cross sectiondimensions of the launch tube 4 to allow the movement of the vehicle 2inside the launch tube 4.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the at least onemovable portion 21 is moved under an aerodynamic force applied on it.

The expression “aerodynamic force” is used herein to indicate that themovable portion 21 is moved under the action of a force applied by afluid that is contacting the pressure surface 20, 20′, and in particularits at least one movable portion 21.

It has to be understood that the fluid, that applies an aerodynamicforce on the movable surface can be in movement with respect to thepressure surface, or the pressure surface can be moved with respect tothe fluid. In other words the aerodynamic force is applied by a relativemovement between the fluid generating the force and the pressure surface20, 20′, and in particular its at least one movable portion 21.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the at least one portion 21 ismovable from the at least one deployed position shown for example inFIGS. 2,2A, 5 and 5A, and at least one folded position, show in FIGS. 3,3A, 6 and 6A, or vice versa.

According to an aspect of the present invention the at least one movableportion 21 is moved from said deployed position to said folded positionunder the aerodynamic force applied by the air flow impacting on itduring the forward movement of the vehicle 2 along the track 3.

As it will appear clear in the following, the movable portion 21 ismoved from the deployed position to the folded position during theforward movement of the vehicle, under the action of the air flowimpacting on the movable portion 21 and exerting an aerodynamic force onit.

It has to be noted that preferably in the deployed position the movableportion 21 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the forwardmovement direction X of said vehicle 2 after the launch (see inparticular FIGS. 2, 2A and 5, 5A). It has to be noted that the hollowlaunch tube 4 according to the invention is substantially rectilinear,thus the direction of movement X of the vehicle 2 is substantiallycorrespondent to, or parallel to, the rectilinear axis A of the launchtube 4.

According to an aspect of the invention, in the at least one foldedposition said at least one movable portion 21 is inclined with respectto the forward movement direction X of the vehicle 2. More in detail asshown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 6, 6A, in the folded position, the at least onemovable portion 21 is inclined with respect to the direction of movementX, or to an axis parallel to said direction X.

By doing so, in the folded position that is the position of the movableportion 21 during the movement of the vehicle after the launch, it ispossible to reduce the drag generated so that the vehicle can reachhigher speed along the track.

More in detail, in the at least one folded position said at least onemovable portion 21 is inclined of an angle α greater than 90 degreeswith respect to forward movement direction X of said vehicle 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 6, 6A, an angle greater than 90 degreesbetween the movable portion 21 and the direction of movement X of thevehicle, determines that the peripheral end of the movable portion isdirected away from the direction of movement X, thus the air flowimpacting of the movable portion 21 allow its deflection. By doing so, alow resistance (drag) is generated during the forward movement of thevehicle 2. Preferably, in said at least one folded position said atleast one movable portion 21 is inclined of an angle α lower than 180degrees with respect to the forward movement direction X of said vehicle2, and preferably equal to or lower than 170 degrees.

The slight inclination of the movable portion 21 with respect to thehorizontal, i.e. with respect to a 180 degrees angle measured from thedirection X during forward movement, reduces resistance forces duringthe forward motion and, in case of failure during the launch, allows thereturn of the movable portion into the deployed position.

In fact, the fluid impacting on the movable portion 21 during thebackward motion of the vehicle, for example in case of launch failure,exerts an aerodynamic force on it able to move the movable portion 21from the folded position to the deployed position.

In order words, in case of failure of the launch, i.e. if the vehicledoes not reach the highest point the track, the vehicle moves inbackward direction and air flow is impacting on the movable portion 21and tends to move the latter into the deployed position thus increasingthe resistance (drag) generated. The resistance force generatedcooperates to decelerate (brake) the vehicle 2.

It has to be noted that the vehicle 2 according to the invention cancomprise support means 15 for maintaining said at least one movableportion 21 in said at least one deployed position. Suitable means thatcan be used are for example one or more springs intended to maintain themovable portion 21 in the deployed position and that are compressed whenthe air flow acting on the movable portion during the forward movementof the vehicle 2 moves the movable portion 21 in the folded position.

As mentioned above, the vehicle 2 can be provided in the form of atrain, i.e. comprising two or more units that are constrained one toanother. According to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in thedetailed view of FIGS. 5A and 6A, the at least one pressure surface 20,20′ can be arranged on a unit of the vehicle, not provided with seats 2a for passengers, which is constrained to one or more other units of thevehicle, preferably comprising seats 2 a for the passengers.

Returning now to the amusement ride according to the invention, itcomprises gas supply means 10 to inject gas inside the at least onelaunch tube 4, and said means 10 comprise one or more tanks 11 forstoring said gas at high pressure conditions. It has to be noted thatthe expression “high pressure conditions” it used herein to indicatethat the gas is stored inside the at least one tank 11 at a pressurehigher than the atmospheric pressure, preferably at a pressure equal toor above 6 bars, more preferably at a pressure equal to or above 8 bars.

By doing so, the injection of the gas inside the launch tube can becontrolled in a simple manner. Additionally, it has to be noted that thegas inside the launch tube 4 is at pressure lower than the pressureinside the at least one tank 11. In fact, according to a preferredembodiment the gas is injected into said at least one launch tube 4 atgauge pressure equal or below 2 atm, preferably equal to or below 1.5atm, more preferably at 1 atm.

Obviously, even if only schematically shown in FIG. 1, the amusementride comprises at least one duct 12 to connect said one or more tanks 11with the at least one launch tube 4.

Additionally, the gas flow from the one or more tanks 11 and the launchtube 4 is controlled preferably by means of at least one valve 13intended to connect each of said one or more tank 11 with said at leastone launch tube 4. Advantageously, by storing the gas at high pressureconditions inside the one or more tank(s) 11 it is possible to avoid theuse of check-valve, and in general of valves intend to prevent the gasflow from the launch tube 4 to the at least one tank 11.

It has to be noted that even if in FIG. 7 only the tanks 11 are shown,suitable means to fluidically connect the tanks 11 to the launch tube 4,as for example disclosed in connection to FIG. 1, are provided.

Even if it is not shown in the figures, the gas flow from the tank 11towards the launch tube 4 is controlled by a suitable control unit thatis able to open or to close the at least one valve, intended to controlthe flow from each tank 11 to the launch tube 4.

According to different possible embodiments of the amusement ride, thegas is supplied from the at least one tank 11 at one or more position(s)of the launch tube 4. Advantageously, by supplying the gas at differentpositions inside the tube 4 it is possible to better control the gasdistribution inside the launch tube 4. In particular it allows to obtaina more gradual increasing of the pressure inside the launch tube 4 andthus a gradual acceleration of the vehicle 2 can be obtained.

According to a possible embodiment, the gas is injected into the launchtube 4 at two or more different positions P1-P5 (see FIG. 1), andpreferably the two or more positions P1-P5 at which the gas is suppliedfrom said one or more tanks 11 are arranged in succession along thedirection X along which said at least one vehicle 2 is moved inside saidat least one launch tube 4.

So that it is possible to inject the gas into a position closer to thepressure surface 20, 20′ of the vehicle during the launch phase, duringwhich the vehicle 2 starts to move inside the launch tube 4.

Additionally, the positions P1-P5 at which the gas is injected insidelaunch tube 4 are closed in case of failure of the launch system, todecelerate and/or brake the at least one vehicle 2 that is returninginside the launch tube 4. More in detail, in case of failure, and ingeneral in the case the launched vehicle is not able to reach thehighest point of the track, it returns by a backward motion along thetrack 3, inside the launch tube 4.

The backward motion of the at least one vehicle 2 can be decelerated andstopped inside the launch tube 4, in fact, the air present inside thetube is compressed therein due to the backward movement of the vehicle.

It has to be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, fiveinjection positions P1-P5 of the gas into the launch tube 4 areprovided. The one or more tanks 11 can be connected to differentpositions by suitable ducts so that the gas can be injected therein.Preferably, each tank 11 is separately connected to one position P1-P5at which the gas is injected into the launch tube 4.

Even if not shown in FIG. 7, also this embodiment can be provided withdifferent injection positions of the gas, as disclosed in connection tothe embodiment of FIG. 1. It has to be noted that even if not shown inthe figures, also in the case the amusement ride comprise one singletank 11, the gas can be supplied at different positions P1-P5 inside thelaunch tube 4. In particular, suitable ducts can be provided todistribute the gas of the single tank 11 to said different positionsP1-P5 of the launch tube 4 at which it is injected therein.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, two or more tanks 11to store the gas are provided. The two or more tanks 11 are connected tothe launch tube 4, and according to a preferred embodiment, they supplythe gas at different positions along the launch tube 4.

It has to be noted that the presence of two or more tanks 11 allow toreduce the dimension of each tank and additionally it increases thecontrol of the gas injected into the launch tube. In fact, each tank 11can be selectively connected to the launch tube 4 and the storagepressure of the gas inside each tank can be different.

It has to be noted that the according to possible embodiment, as it willbe disclosed in greater detail herein below in connection to the methodof operating an amusement ride according to the invention, the gas fromthe tank 11 can be supplied into the launch tube in succession. Thisaspect is particularly useful when two or more tanks 11 are providedthus allowing the supply of the gas from the two or more tanks 11 insuccession. By doing so, the pressure inside the launch tube can becontrolled in an accurate manner thus providing the desired accelerationto the vehicle.

The number of tanks 11 for storing the gas can be varied according todifferent possible configurations. According to different possibleembodiments the number of thanks 11 is comprised in the range 2 to 10,preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 3 to 5, most preferably the number oftanks is equal to 5.

As already mentioned above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, fivetanks 11 are connected to the launch tube 4. Each of which is connectedto the launch tube by ducts 12 and the flow from the tank 11 to thelaunch tube is controlled by means of at least one valves 13. Preferablytwo or more valves 13 are provided for each connection so that a safetyredundancy for the control of the gas flow injected into the launch tube4 can be obtained.

Advantageously, the presence of two or more tanks 11 having reducedvolume and storing the gas at high pressure conditions allows to obtaina gradual increasing of the pressure inside the launch tube resulting ina gradual increase of the velocity of the tube. Therefore theacceleration of the vehicle 2 can be easily controlled in the amusementride according to the invention that is not limited to a specific valuebut it can be regulated under the operating conditions and the desiredacceleration performances. Additionally, it has to be noted that the useof two or more thanks 11 to store the gas also allows to reduce thewaste of gas and of energy. In fact, according to different loadconditions of the vehicle 2 and also in relation to differentacceleration requirements, only a certain number of tanks 11 can beconnected to the launch tube 4 in order to inject therein only theamount of gas necessary to provide the desired acceleration.

The present invention also relates to a method of operating an amusementride of the type disclosed above, wherein pressurized gas is used toimpart the desired acceleration to at least one vehicle. The methodcomprises the step of storing said gas in one or more tanks 11 at highpressure conditions and/or the step of supplying said gas inside said atleast one launch tube 4 from said one or more tanks 11 at gauge pressureequal or below 2 atm, preferably equal to or below 1.5 atm, morepreferably at 1 atm.

Therefore, according to an aspect of the invention, the gas is injectedinto the launch tube at lower pressure value than the pressure value atwhich the gas is stored inside the tank. As already mentioned above, thegas is preferably stored at high pressure condition into the tank(s) 11,at a pressure equal to or above 6 bars, and preferably at a pressureequal to or above 8 bars.

According to aspect of the invention, the gas is supplied from one ormore tanks 11 at one or more, preferably two or more, differentpositions P1-P5 inside the at least one launch tube 4. According to anaspect of the invention the step of supplying the gas at differentpositions is performed in succession, i.e. by supplying the gas at oneposition and supplying the gas in correspondence of at least one anotherposition after a predetermined amount of time.

It has to be noted that the step of supplying gas at different positionsis particularly advantageous when two or more tanks 11 are used forstoring the gas. In fact, it is possible to increase the control of thepressure inside the launch tube 4, and thus of the acceleration of thevehicle. However, even if only one tank 11 is provided in the amusementride, it is also possible to supplying the gas in succession at said twoor more different positions P1-P5 inside the at least one launch tube 4.

According to an aspect of the invention in the step of supplying saidgas inside said at least one launch tube 4, at least two or more tanks11 are fluidically connected in succession to the at least one launchtube 4 to inject the gas therein.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of fluidically connecting oneof said at least two tanks 11 to the at least one launch tube 4, andafter a predetermined amount of time at least one another tank isfluidically connected to the at least one launch tube 4 to inject thegas therein. It has to be noted that two or more tanks 11 can befluidically connected at the same time to supply gas into the launchtube 4 and after a predetermined amount of time, at least one anothertank 11 is connected to the launch tube 4 to supply gas therein.

According to different possible embodiment of the operating methodaccording to the invention, the amount of time between the connection ofone tank 11 and the subsequent connection of at least one another tank11 is equal to or below 1 second, preferably equal to or below 0.8second, more preferably equal to or below 0.5 second, and mostpreferably equal to or below 0.3 second.

As already mentioned above, the operating method also can comprises thestep of connecting only a predetermined number of said two or more tanks11 with the launch tube in order to provide the necessary amount of gastherein.

The method can comprise the step of closing the fluid connection withthe one or more tanks 11, in case of failure, to close the launch tubethus decelerating and braking the vehicle movement that returns insidethe launch tube.

As already mentioned above the amusement ride and in particular the gassupply means comprises one or more valve 13 intended to selectivelyconnect each tank 11 to the launch tube. The valve(s) 13 are activatedby a control unit which is not shown in the figures. More in detail, inthe method according to the invention at least one tank 11 is connectedto said at least one launch tube 4 by activating at least one valve 13.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the speed, acceleration and jerk of a vehicle2, in relation to the travelled distance along the track, during thelaunch phase under the conditions of a possible embodiment of theinvention.

It has to be noted that in the graph the speed of the vehicle is shownby a dashed line and is expressed in mph (miles per hour), theacceleration of the vehicle is shown by a dotted line and is expressedin gX10, and the jerk to which the vehicle is subjected is shown by acontinuous line and is expressed in g/sec.

As shown in the graph of FIG. 4, the embodiment of the amusement rideaccording to the invention allows to obtain a gradual acceleration ofthe vehicle that is at the same time not subjected to high jerk ratesduring the acceleration phase.

1-26. (canceled)
 27. A vehicle movable along a track of an amusementride having at least one launch tube, inside of which a gas isinjectable to accelerate the vehicle, comprising: a plurality of rollersadapted to move the vehicle along the track; and at least one pressuresurface arranged at a rear portion of the vehicle, and on which alaunching force generated by the gas injected into the launch tube isexertable; wherein the pressure surface includes at least one movableportion movable under an aerodynamic force applied on it and movablebetween at least one deployed position and at least one folded position.28. The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the movable portion ismovable from the deployed position to the folded position under theaerodynamic force applied by an air flow impacting on it during forwardmovement of the vehicle along the track.
 29. The vehicle according toclaim 27, wherein, in the folded position, the movable portion isinclined with respect to a forward movement direction of the vehicle.30. The vehicle according to claim 29, wherein, in the folded position,the movable portion is inclined at an angle greater than 90 degrees withrespect to the forward movement direction of the vehicle.
 31. Thevehicle according to claim 27, wherein, in the folded position, themovable portion is inclined at an angle (a) less than 180 degrees and/or(b) equal to or less than 170 degrees with respect to a forward movementdirection of the vehicle.
 32. The vehicle according to claim 27,wherein, in the deployed position, the movable portion is substantiallyperpendicular with respect to a forward movement direction of thevehicle.
 33. The vehicle according to claim 27, further comprising asupport adapted to maintain the movable portion in the deployedposition.
 34. The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the movableportion includes a substantially flat surface.
 35. The vehicle accordingto claim 27, wherein the pressure surface includes a fixed portion. 36.The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the movable portion isrotatable with respect to at least one fixed portion of the pressuresurface.
 37. The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the vehicleincludes two pressure surfaces.
 38. The vehicle according to claim 27,wherein the movable portion forms at least part of a boundary portion ofthe pressure surface.
 39. An amusement ride, comprising: at least onevehicle as recited in claim 27; a track, along which the vehicle isridable; at least one hollow launch tube for the vehicle; and a gassupply adapted to inject gas inside the launch tube.
 40. The amusementride according to claim 39, wherein the pressure surface forms asubstantial seal with a lateral surface of the launch tube.
 41. Theamusement ride according to claim 39, wherein the pressure surfacearranged at a rear portion of the vehicle forms with a lateral surfaceof the launch tube and a closed end of the launch tube a chamber insidewhich gas is injectable.
 42. The amusement ride according to claim 39,wherein the track includes at least one rail on which the vehicle isridable by the rollers.
 43. An amusement ride, comprising: at least onevehicle adapted to accommodate at least one passenger and movable alonga track; at least one hollow launch tube having a first end and a secondend, at least one of the ends being open to allow the vehicle to exitfrom the launch tube; and a gas supply adapted to inject gas inside thelaunch tube, the gas supply including at least one tank adapted to storethe gas; wherein (i) the tank is adapted to store the gas at (a) highpressure, (b) a pressure of at least 6 bars, and/or (c) a pressure of atleast 8 bars and/or (ii) the gas supply is adapted to inject the gasinto the launch tube at gauge pressure (a) at or below 2 atm, (b) at orbelow 1.5 atm, and/or (c) at 1 atm.
 44. The amusement ride according toclaim 43, wherein the tank is adapted to supply the gas at (a) at leastone position and/or (b) at least two different positions inside thelaunch tube.
 45. The amusement ride according to claim 44, wherein theat least two different positions are arranged in succession along adirection along which the vehicle is moveable inside the launch tubewhen the vehicle is launched.
 46. The amusement ride according to claim43, wherein the gas supply includes at least two tanks adapted to storethe gas.
 47. The amusement ride according to claim 46, wherein the gassupply includes (a) 2 to 10 tanks, (b) 2 to 7 tanks, (c) 3 to 5 tanks,and/or (d) 5 tanks.
 48. A method of operating an amusement ride, asrecited in claim 43, comprising: storing the gas the tank (a) at highpressure, (b) at a pressure of at least 6 bars, and/or (c) at a pressureof at least 8 bars and/or supplying the gas inside the tube from thetank at a gauge pressure (a) at or below 2 atm, (b) at or below 1.5 atm,and/or (c) at 1 atm.
 49. The method according to claim 48, wherein thegas is supplied from the tank at (a) at least one position inside thelaunch tube, (b) at least two different positions inside the launchtube, and/or (c) at least two different positions in succession insidethe launch tube.
 50. The method according to claim 48, wherein theamusement ride includes at least two tanks for storing the gas, andwherein, during the supplying, the tanks are fluidically connected insuccession to the launch tube to inject the gas in the launch tube. 51.The method according to claim 50, wherein one of the tanks isfluidically connected to the launch tube, and, after a predeterminedamount of time, at least one other tank is fluidically connected to thelaunch tube to inject the gas in the launch tube.
 52. The methodaccording to claim 51, wherein the predetermined amount of time is (a)less than or equal to 1 second, (b) less than or equal to 0.8 seconds,(c) less than or equal to 0.5 seconds, and/or (d) less than or equal to0.3 seconds.